Nothing defines Muay Thai training like a good pad work. With a partner or neighbor, investing in a pair of the best Muay Thai pads is worth the weight in gold for home training.
In the first installment of this Home Training special, I wrote about picking the right heavy bag. Bag work is largely a solitary exercise and while it has many benefits, you must not forget that Muay Thai is an exchange between 2 martial artists.
This is why Muay Thai training features a high proportion of partner training such as sparring, clinching, and pad work.
For this second part of the home training series, let’s explore the various Muay Thai kicking pads, their uses and which ones to get.
In a hurry? Check my top 3 picks straight away: (I do recommend scrolling down to read my detailed reviews as well as other types of pads for different training purposes)
Muay Thai Pads & Padwork
Pad work is a training associated with Muay Thai and other kickboxing sports. Focus pads or mitts are the equipment of choice in traditional boxing: they are smaller and are used primarily for training punches.
Thai pads are about double in size and rectangular in shape, weighing between 1.5 to 4 kg (around 3 to 9 lbs) each. They are designed to catch all the weapons of Muay Thai including punches, elbows, knees, and kicks.
Pad-holders would also use them to work your reflexes and defense by swinging them towards you where you are meant to block or dodge.
Muay Thai pads are designed with safety and mobility in mind. The best Muay Thai pads are constructed with proper composite padding which reduce the impact on the forearms while remaining light enough for ergonomic reasons.
Padwork & Pad-Holding
Pad-holding is an art form. When a pad-holder and the fighter are in tuned, the flow is seamless and incredibly beautiful to watch.
A good pad-holder not only knows the right way to hold the pads. He is inventive, knows how to simulate the flow of an actual fight, is able to motivate and push one beyond the limits.
You’ll be surprised to learn that there are lots of mediocre pad-holders but when you meet a good one, you will know he’s THE ONE.
A good fighter doesn’t necessarily transition to being a good pad-holder. Pad-holding is a skill that doesn’t come naturally for everyone, even the champions.
Some either lack the imagination to execute a natural pad workflow, or they just lack the right attitude to want to work on being good at it. Many pad-holders make it look effortless but is actually a highly intense work.
Even though pads do absorb a bulk of the impact from the strikes, doing it with fighter after fighter, day in and day out, it is a very physically demanding job that inadvertently takes a toll on the body.
If you have been around enough camps, you will also meet many different types of bad pad-holders. My least favorite is the one-trick pony pad-holder who does the same routine every freaking session or even the same five techniques every round.
Most people have their favorite and least favorite pad-holder to work with although you don’t always have the luxury of choice. If you are going to partner up with a friend for some home training padwork, then make sure to communicate and help each other work on improving pad-holding skills.
With the right home training partner, pad work is one of the best and most fun ways to improve in Muay Thai.
Note for BeginnersPad holding is not as easy as it looks. Before going hard at the pads especially with the kicks, it is important to learn some pad holding basics. This will help to minimize potential injuries to the arms or shoulder joints for the pad holder. The key to safe pad-holding still boils down to proper techniques. Watch this YouTube video on how to hold pads correctly: |
Benefits of Training with Muay Thai Pads
No one would be doing it if there aren’t some kind of benefits. Pad work resembles an actual fight and allows the fighter/student to throw full-power strikes which they can’t always do during sparring. Here are some of its other benefits:
Builds Cardio
If you throw each punch and kick like you mean it, pad work is the ultimate cardiovascular endurance training. 3 minutes of non-stop pad smashing can feel like an eternity.
Some Muay Thai camps (in Thailand) that cater to tourists are referred to as “Fat camps” for good reason. They do 3-5 rounds of pad work and that’s all it takes to burn a truck of calories.
Having a trainer or partner holding pads makes a huge difference as they would push you in a way that most people wouldn’t if they trained on their own.
Sharpens Techniques
If you have yourself a good pad-holder with lots of experience, he can help to correct your techniques on the spot as he sees it.
Little things like not driving your cross from your toes up, not blocking when you throw a roundhouse kick, generally habits that have gone formed over time unknowingly.
A good training partner or trainer can correct them there and then. Something that a heavy bag can’t do.
Trains Footwork
Besides sparring and shadow boxing, padwork is also a great way to train footwork and movement. A good pad-holder will not just stand stationary but will move around to mimic movement in the ring when fighting.
Side-stepping, dodging, feints, and other footwork can all be taught and drilled in padwork.
Best Muay Thai Pads
The most common pads used in Muay Thai (or MMA striking) training are the ubiquitous hand-held kick pads.
These are mostly rectangular in shape and designed to catch every imaginable Muay Thai weapon, as long as the pad-holder is up to it.
These pads are made by many fight brands and models may come in standard free sizes or different sizes and weights to choose from. While smaller/lighter pads are easier to hold for a longer period of time, they may not afford the same protection that comes with heavier/thicker pads which absorbs impact better.
That said, too heavy a pad and it will tire out the holder fast.
In my experience, Thai pads need a bit of time to break in and so they can feel bruising hard when they arrive fresh. A few days or a week in and they will feel perfect. Too soft a pad isn’t necessarily a good thing as the impact will transfer to the pad-holder which can be a health hazard in the long run.
At the same time, pad kicking is a good way to condition the shins so soft pads are useless in this aspect. Here are the best Muay Thai pads you should get:
| Note: Before we get into the recommendations, here’s something to take note of. Most merchants sell kick pads in a pair but there are a few that sell them as a single piece. Make sure to check before adding any kick pads to cart that you get what you are paying for. |
Fairtex Curved Kick Pads
- Curved shape: Fairtex Thai pads are specifically designed for maximum endurance and impact. This boxing equipment allows for hard hitting & punching with maximum trainer protection
- Safe and easy to use: Made with premium cow hide leather, the boxing gear is durable and safe for boxing equipment for training at home. Designed in a way that no dust is produced when kept on floor.
- Comfort first: Fairtex kick mitts are made with two support straps for trainer comfort. These kick pads are lightweight & easy to hold for long training sessions. Thick padding for added protection.
I am recommending Fairtex as it is the brand they use at the gym where I train and with hundreds of students coming in day after day, these have held up well.
Fairtex kick pads can be quite hard when they are fresh out of the factory, especially for beginners whose shins are not quite conditioned yet. They will soften up just right within a couple of weeks’ of smashing. So just hang in there, buddy.
These Fairtex curved pads are more comfortable to kick at and will break in faster compared to pads with flat surface.
They are padded enough to absorb impact from the hardest kicks but enough toughness for shin conditioning. Very well-constructed with strong stitching for long-lasting durability.
Fairtex training equipment are designed to meet the heavy usage requirements of commercial and fight gyms, so they are more than adequate for home training purpose.
They come in small, standard and large sizes with the standard weighing at around 3.5-4 lbs each which is a comfortable weight for most people without sacrificing protection.
| User Reviews |
| – “I would recommend these to anyone looking for a durable set of Thai pads.“ – “I hold pads for some strong kickers and with these pads, a barely feel their kicks. “ -“airtex once again trumps all the competition in quality. These are the most comfortable and durable Thai Pads on the market – grab them, today!“ |
>> Click here to shop Fairtex kick pads at Amazon Now <<
Twins Special Muay Thai Pads
Another popular option used in authentic Muay Thai gyms all around the world.
These Twins Special pads are very well-padded pads suitable for hard kickers. Absolute beast of training gear and well-loved in Thailand gyms. They are slightly less comfortable compared to curved pads but will get the job done.
In terms of quality, these are the industry standard. They come with adjustable belt buckles for extra support for the intense extended sessions. Pad holders will appreciate these very much.
Between the Fairtex and Twins options, you won’t go wrong with either one. Nothing to complain about at all. Do check where these will be shipping from as some seller are based in Thailand.
| User Reviews |
| – “There’s a reason Twins has been number one with serious Thai boxers for the last 30 years.” – “Great pads. Love Twins Thai products.” |
>> Click here to shop Twins Special kick pads at Amazon Now <<
Yokkao Leather Curved Muay Thai Pads
- Enhanced Feel & Comfort: The Boxing pads are made with smoother finish & firmer feel. Soft head pads help in trainer jabs & hooks. Padded straps & forearm support ensure maximum comfort for trainers.
- Ergonomic Curved Design: The curved design makes these kick shield easy to hold and provides a comfortable grip during training.
- Premium Cow Hide Leather: A variant of the best-selling KPLC2 curved kick pads, these pads are constructed with 100% premium cow hide leather in every part, ensuring unbeatable durability and quality.
If you want a pair of Muay Thai pads that look as good as they function, then Yokkao is always a dependable choice.
Yokkao is a Bangkok-based Muay Thai brand that has been around since 2010. The reason their gear stand out in terms of aesthetic is because they have an in-house design team in Italy. This lends a fashion sensibility to their products like no other combat sports brand.
Quality-wise, the main Yokkao manufacturing facility is located in Bangkok where they work with local crafts makers with many decades of experience. These are some of the best Muay Thai pads made with locally-sourced cow or buffalo leather.
I have trained with these pads and I would rate them as equal to both Fairtex and Twins Special. Yokkao is a premium brand and these Thai pads are more pricey but you do get what you pay for.
If you can afford these, they are well worth the investment.
>> Click here to shop Yokkao Leather Curve Kick Pads at Amazon Now <<
RDX Muay Thai Pad
- MAYA HIDE LEATHER MATERIAL is sturdy and hardwearing. Measuring 37cm long and 19cm wide, this thai pad is versatile for an MMA fighters who wants it all. Go for Karate, Muay Thai, Jiu-jitsu, kick...
- IMT GEL FOAM PADDING makes them almost invincible, allowing your trainee to dish out some major force with full conviction. The gel lining support is exclusively manufactured for real tough workout.
- SHREDDED TEXTILE MATERIAL HANDLE for solid grip. It fits securely onto the forearm of the pad holder and allows for any easy on-and-off application. The forearm handle is heavily reinforced.
RDX is usually a dependable fight gear brand and a regular entry on many of my recommendation lists. However, it is here for a different reason this time.
I figure I would include this on the list as this is one of those merchants that sell kick pads as a single piece. Muay Thai pads are always used in a pair so it is quite odd that RDX is selling them separately.
A number of reviewers ended up having to make a second order when their purchase showed up at their door as a single pad. RDX has since edited their listing title to indicate that they are selling a single piece.
At around $50 a pad, this works out to be $100 for a pair which is about the same as the Fairtex kick pads. This is not a big deal except that RDX pads are not real leather but “Maya hide leather” which is synthetic.
These are smaller than your usual pads that you find in a standard Muay Thai gym. Like most of the budget kick pads, these are more suitable for beginners or young children.
| User Reviews |
| – “These pads don’t protect much at all against hard kickers and hitters. It’s more for beginners.” – “At first I thought this was a set of two, but after reading the other reviews I found that you were only buying one.” |
>> Click here to shop RDX Kick Pad at Amazon Now <<
Sanabul Battle Forged Muay Thai Pads
- Exceptional Durability: Our Sanabul Battle Forged Muay Thai Boxing Pads are built to withstand the toughest workouts. Whether you're practicing Muay Thai or kickboxing, these elbow pads are designed...
- Versatile Training Tool: Use these kicking pads for various martial arts disciplines, including Muay Thai, kickboxing, karate, taekwondo, and more. They're ideal for sparring, striking drills, and...
- Ultimate Protection: Crafted to provide excellent protection for both trainers and fighters. These Muay Thai pads offer superior shock absorption, making them perfect for intense sparring sessions.
Sanabul has been one of my most recommended budget options in the past year for training gear and equipment. Their Battle Forged collection is now complete with these Muay Thai kick pads.
These are made using engineered leather which is a mixture of real leather (scrap leather) and synthetic leather.
In terms of construction, the Sanabul stays faithful to the high standards of Muay Thai pads with two hook-n-loop straps and a handle on each pad. This design provides the best support and stay secured even during intense training.
These kick pads are lighter (less dense foam padding) and a little smaller compared to standard Muay Thai pads. So while they minimize fatigue for pad-holders, the impact absorption is not comparable to those that I recommend above.
The Battle Forged collection sports a minimalist and sophisticated look, perfect for gyms or homes alike. Finally, price-wise, these Muay Thai pads offer good value for lightweight beginner or kids training.
I also recommend sticking to the black or brown pads because the white leather is going to get very dirty in little time.
| User Reviews |
| – “These pads are very light. Makes for fast padwork but a hard teep or roundhouse (I’m a heavyweight) will sting a little.” – “These feel a bit lighter than what I’m used to but they are well built and take a beating. I think the foam is slightly less dense than in more expensive pads.” |
>> Click here to shop Sanabul Battle Forged Kick Pads at Amazon Now <<
Contender Fight Sports Muay Thai Pads
- Safely train leg and knee strikes with ease with this highly rated pair of MMA Thai Pads
- Punch and kick fight shields complete with two hook and loop straps to securely fasten to coach or training partner with riveted handle to ensure stability
- Made of durable and easy to clean vinyl construction built to uphold against hard hits in your home or commercial gym
This is another budget option for the price-conscious fighters.
Contender Fight Sports has been around for a while with good-quality gear/equipment at decent prices. These Muay Thai kick pads are no exception.
They feature very durable dense foam padding for good impact absorption to keep the holders protected. The trade-off is the weight but they weigh about the same as traditional Thai pads.
The classic no-frills design is made using vinyl which gives off a strong smell although this goes away after a few weeks of usage. If the smell bothers you, just air them out until the smell goes away.
For its price, the Contender kick pads offer better value compared to the Sanabul in terms of durability and protection. This is definitely the one to get if you are looking to get some heavy usage with hard kickers.
| User Reviews |
| – “They can take heavy hits and the cushioning is pretty padded.” – “We kick the crap out of these things and they seem to have a lot of longevity.” |
>> Click here to shop Contender Fight Sports Kick Pads at Amazon Now <<
Elite Sports Muay Thai Kickboxing Pads
- ✅ DURABLE: Quad-layer Muay Thai kick pads are made from durable ultra-lightweight Nylex Leather having stylish sublimated graphics and Curved design thus they are easy to maintain and clean. These...
- ✅ MAXIMUM COMFORT - Adjustable two hook & loop straps of Kickboxing Strike Shield allow you to achieve an ideal fit while with the handle and grips you can hold this kicking shield sturdy and in...
- ✅ SHOCK ABSORBTION: Our martial arts/ muay thai kick pads have multi-layered gel integrated foam padding interior absorb huge blows designed for heavy hitters it is great knee and elbow target...
Here is one more budget option to add to the list.
Elite Sports is a maker of a wide range of combat sports training gear and equipment catering to those who are more price-sensitive. Based on my past experience with their products, it’s a decent option to turn to for all of your training needs.
First off, these kick pads are made using “Nylex leather” which is essentially synthetic leather. Real animal leather have a longer lifespan, generally speaking. Synthetic leather tends to be less durable but
Now the plus points: Elite Sports pads are light and firm without being too hard. This makes them suitable for young children or beginners but note that it still needs a few sessions of breaking in. Their lightweight construction also makes them easier to hold and maneuver around.
They are affordable and dependable for general home training but if you are a powerful kicker or partnering with one, it is worth investing in a higher quality pair. (See Fairtex or Twins above)
| User Reviews |
| – “You cannot beat the quality for the price.” – “The size stood out to me first. Light and compact. I can easily get these in my bags.” |
>> Click here to shop Elite Sports Kick Pads at Amazon Now <<
Venum Skintex Leather Light Kick Pads
- High-quality skintex leather for long lasting durability
- Curved design offers optimal impact surface
- Extra thick padding to improve shock absorption
Seems like our recommendation lists are never complete without Venum. It’s not that it’s the best gear-equipment maker but Venum makes good-looking (on virtue of a great logo design) and good-quality products.
First off, skintex leather is a synthetic leather that is used on some of the other Venum gear. It’s reasonably durable and can take a good beating. In terms of protection, these are extra thick and will absorb the impact of the kicks.
Each pad weigh around 2.8lbs which is lighter than most standard-sized Thai pads. This is great for better mobility and overall ergonomics. If you need to do this all-day, that 1 to 2-lb difference can be a lifesaver for your back and shoulders.
Price-wise, Venum gear is never the most attractive and they don’t really compare to traditional Thai brands. But if you are a hardcore Venum fanboy, then these are definitely for you.
| User Reviews |
| – “The pad itself is great and I like the angled grip bar.” – “I have at least 20 pair of pads and these compete with the best of the best.” |
>> Click here to shop Venum Skintex Leather Kick Pads at Amazon Now <<
Farabi Sports Thai Pads
- 〖 PREMIUM QUALITY MATERIAL 〗 Farabi Sports muay thai pad comes as a single 1x unite. Farabi Sports muay thai pads are manufactured of premium quality faux leather material, that is meant to...
- 〖 6 LAYERS PADDING 〗 Farabi Sports punching pads are made with 6 different layers of padding to forestall your foot, elbow and knee from getting injured during training and these kick pads are...
- 〖 HANDLE GRIP AND HOOK AND LOOP STRAPS 〗 The Farabi Sports kicking pad is designed with 1 durable handle grips and 2 premium quality hook and loop straps for better power absorption, that allows...
I thought I would add these here in case anyone gets lured because of that price tag. At $29.99, this seems like a fantastic budget option BUT these are sold as a single unit. That works out to be around $60 for a pair.
For those who need some context, Farabi Sports is a Pakistani business which manufactures a wide range of combat sports gear. In terms of quality and design, they don’t measure up against the Thai brands but they will hold up well.
If you want something affordable, I would recommend the better-looking Sanabul Essentials (above). I really don’t see any advantages of getting these Farabi Sports Thai pads.
| User Reviews |
| – “Pad is a little smaller than I was expecting. Not bad though for a child.” – “I use them at home when I can’t go to the gym and I have someone to hold pads for me. Still in great condition after years of getting kicked in. “ |
>> Click here to shop Farabi Sports Thai Pads at Amazon Now <<
Other Types of Pads Used in Muay ThaiThe brick-like rectangular pads that we see above come to mind when we talk about Muay Thai pads. There are actually a few more types of pads used in Muay Thai training. These are equipment normally used or worn by trainers for a more comprehensive training (belly pad, thigh pad) or simply to mix things a bit (low kick pad). For training at home with a partner or for personal trainers offering kickboxing training, the standard kick pads may suffice. But with the add-ons are worth considering if you are looking for serious home training. |
Low Kick Pads
- Improved design with no sharp edges or angles.
- Traditional Thai Suitcase style kick pad, Great product for leg and cut kicks, foot jabs, knees and even body punches.
- Shock absorbing multi-layered foam padding in durable synthetic shell, All leather handles, designed for heavy hitters, Flat Design with two handles.
If you low-kick it like you mean it, these pads can give you a workout like no other.
Unlike banana heavy bags which can be hard as concrete at times, low kick pads are a lot more forgiving. Coupled with a larger area than standard kick pads and this gives you the full consent to go as hard as you can.
These square pads are not limited to just low kicking. Hold them up and they are good for medium kicks; hold them in front they function as a good pad to work those power teeps.
The downside to these is that they are essentially designed to train low kicks as compared to standard pads which are more all-rounded.
Belly Pads
- Complete Core Protection: Fairtex Thai training body armor vest ensures coaches' safety during teaching kicks and body shots in various combat sports.
- Secure Fit: The Fairtex boxing protective gear has a Hook and loop waist wrap feature which ensures a snug and secure fit for trainers of different sizes.
- Enhanced Training: Elevate your training with the Fairtex Standard body protector boxing Pad's premium quality and protection.
Belly pads are worn by pad-holders to allow teeps (push kicks), stomach/body punches and especially to catch the knees. They are sometimes worn for clinching practice to allow the throwing of knees without restraint.
They are a standard operating equipment for trainers and you will not see a pad-holder without one in any decent Muay Thai camp.
Thigh Pads
- Reinforced plastic inside between the foam ensures long-lasting and maintain shape for equipment after heavy use.
- Fairtex TP4 Deluxe Thigh Pads is engineered for top performance. The choice of pro muay thai fighters, Trainers and gym owners worldwide.
- The Fairtex TP4 Compact Thigh Pads are built to last and take the punishment of the toughest muay thai, boxing and MMA training sessions
Thigh pads are more realistic for low kick training when you compare it to the low kick pads. As the name suggests, they are worn on thighs and are designed to be subjected to low kicks.
In reality, they are bulky but are not that useful against powerful low kickers. For the price that it is commanding, it’s not really worth it for such inadequate protection.
Fairtex offers a more compact thigh pad (above) which I imagine would be more comfortable to wear but wouldn’t necessary provide better protection. Might just be better to work with the low kick pads instead.
How to clean Muay Thai Pads
As with all Muay Thai equipment, sweat and traces of blood can stain the pad work, breeding nasty bacteria that can give you plenty of dermatological troubles such as staph infection.
The pads are most likely going to be shared among at least 2 pairs of legs and more so it is both wise and polite to keep them sanitary.
Wiping the pads after training using a damp cloth and mild soap solution (disinfectant spray) to remove sweat and grime, then again with a dry cloth to remove excess moisture will help to keep it sanitized.
The nice part is that being more portable -compared to heavy bags- which means that they can be put out in the sun for a good dose of mother nature’s mold-killing UV rays.
Do take note to not leave them in the sun for too long as it can cause discoloration and cracking.
Regular maintenance helps to prolong the lifespan of the bag by preventing mold and reducing bacteria growth.
Conclusion
There you have it. No Muay Thai training is imaginable or complete without pad work. If you are working around a budget and have someone to train with, ditch the heavy bag and get yourself a pair of Thai kick pads.
For all self-respecting personal trainers offering Thai style kickboxing training, Thai pads are mandatory. Clients aren’t paying for shadow boxing cardio they can do in aerobics class. We want a few rounds of pad work for an intensive workout.
Verdict: Pad work >> Bag work. Happy smashing!
Chok Dee!
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